Briggs' bizarre ordeal news to teammates

Tuesday

When the Chicago Bears showed up for practice Monday, nothing seemed unusual. Linebacker Lance Briggs was among those present and ready to go to work.

When the Chicago Bears showed up for practice Monday, nothing seemed unusual. Linebacker Lance Briggs was among those present and ready to go to work.

Gradually, that fact surprised and relieved them. Few facts were released while the team was at Halas Hall, but the Pro Bowl linebacker had been involved in a one-car accident early that morning.

His new black Lamborghini, reportedly valued at $350,000, was left damaged and deserted off the Edens Expressway about 3:15 a.m. The car reportedly struck a light pole near the Devon Avenue exit. A state police officer interviewed on a Chicago radio station said the car was rendered undrivable.

Briggs was charged with a misdemeanor for leaving the scene of an accident. He also was ticketed for improper lane usage and for failing to report the incident within 30 minutes.

Briggs posted bond of $100. His court date will be Oct. 4.

Briggs was unavailable to talk to the media Monday. He talked to authorities before and after practice, according to head coach Lovie Smith, who let Briggs leave the afternoon session early to deal with the details.

“His spirits were good based on him being in a one-car accident,” Smith said. “Those were my first thoughts — is he safe? That’s what we talked about first.”

Smith was terse with several media questions. Yes, of course he would prefer his players “be in a little bit earlier than that,” adding that not everyone out at that time gets in trouble. He shot down a question as to whether alcohol may have been involved.

“How do we get to that part? We have a one-car accident, and now alcohol is involved? I think that’s stretching things a bit to go that far.”

Smith said, as far as he knows, Briggs will not be disciplined by the Bears because no team rules were broken.

Most teammates weren’t aware something happened until they arrived for work.

Upon learning the news, defensive end Alex Brown said, “We can replace the car; we can’t replace Lance. We’re glad he’s OK. I’m just thankful he didn’t hurt anybody or himself. We’re happy to have him here.”

Briggs was seen taking his usual reps at starting linebacker along with Brian Urlacher and Hunter Hillenmeyer in the afternoon.

Briggs’ contract situation served as an offseason distraction before he signed a one-year franchise player deal for $7.206 million. He had threatened to sit out and never play for Chicago.

Smith said issues like this could be distractions “if you let them become distractions.”

“As far as we’re concerned, we haven’t had a lot,” he said. “Things went on during the offseason. We had training camp, and the players were here. Things like this come up time to time. There are accidents that happen.”

Cornerback Nathan Vasher didn’t think it would be a distraction.

“Nobody really knows what happened,” he said. “We’ll just try to have another good day of practice and try and get another win this week (Thursday at home against Cleveland). I’m just glad he’s fine.”

Vasher said he was unaware of any details.

“Fortunately, he was able to walk away,” he said. “I’m just glad he came to practice today and looks like he’ll be ready to go.”

Briggs apparently bought his car recently, as some players noted seeing it at a Family Night practice at Soldier Field a few weeks ago. Vasher purchased his Lamborghini a couple of months ago.

“Any car, if you don’t handle it correctly, can get away from you,” Vasher said. “You have to be very careful whenever you’re out there on the road.

“You’ve got to use everything at your own discretion. You try to make a decision. We’ve been in this place before. You try not to put yourself where you can (get in trouble) when you’re out.”